Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Internal Medicine

Background:The splanchnic circulation is essential for oxygenation of the small and large intestine, transport of absorbed nutrients, maintenance of systemic blood pressure and is regulated by neuronal, myogenic and humoral factors. Blood supply of the gastrointestinal tract is potentially affected in patients with diabetes mellitus, since diabetes may be associated with abnormalities in one or more of these regulatory factors. Recent advances in duplex ultrasound technology have permitted the noninvasive examination of the mesenteric circulation at rest and after a variety of physiologic and pharmacologic situations in healthy individuals. This method, because of its noninvasive nature, allows for studies in humans that could lead to better understanding of the physiology of the mesenteric circulation and could be the ideal tool for the diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia

Issued also as CD